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How to Make a Disaster Preparedness Kit During Red Cross Awareness Month

The Red Cross offers several ways to help communities and individuals during awareness month. By creating a disaster preparedness kit for your home or school, you will be ready in the event of a crisis.

Things You'll Need

  • Storage bin
  • Disaster preparedness manual
  • Non-perishable foods
  • Water in plastic bottles
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Compass
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • Small tools
  • Plastic tarp
  • Toilet paper
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Anti-bacterial soap
  • Hand towels
  • Cleanser
  • Boots
  • Parkas
  • Extra clothing
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Small pillows
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Instructions

  1. Organize the Supplies Required for a Disaster Preparedness Kit

    • 1

      Make a list categorizing the different supplies you will need to assist each member of your family. Decide what you need during the planning stage and you'll be less likely to forget anything important in your kit.

    • 2

      Sort the list (or organizational chart) by the following categories: food and water, first aid, over-the-counter medications, tools and supplies, sanitation and clothing and bedding.

    • 3

      Select a large storage bin to use as the holder for your supplies. Purchase an easy-to-transport container like a large covered bin or garbage can with wheels.

    • 4

      Gather a three-day supply of food and water to include in the kit. Bring food items that are easy to transport and non-perishable, such as fruit and pre-cooked meats in cans. Pack water in plastic bottles. Try to provide a gallon of water per person, per day.

    • 5

      Fill a box or supply case with tools and supplies. In the event of a disaster, you will need items to help you survive and get information. Pack a radio that works via batteries, a compass, flashlight, extra batteries, maps, small tools like pliers and a plastic tarp.

    Load Your Kit and Add More Supplies

    • 6

      Insert items into your disaster preparedness kit for an awareness month seminar or for home use. Start with the largest items first, which will be the box of supplies, bottles of water and food items.

    • 7

      Fill a bag with toiletries to include in the preparedness kit. Pack toilet paper, feminine sanitary items, plastic bags, anti-bacterial soap, hand towels and a form of cleanser.

    • 8

      Plan for your warmth and comfort. Pack a change of clothing for each person with some protective gear like work boots and parkas. Add bedding in rolled bundles, such as blankets, small pillows and sleeping bags.

    • 9

      Add all the items to your bin and store it in a safe, dry place. Study The Red Cross manual for disaster preparedness (see Resources below). It's advisable to add a copy of this to your kit for reference.

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